STVM successful at state science event

AKRON — Students from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (STVM) took home the Harold C. Shaw Award for the sixth time in recent years at the Ohio Academy of Science State Science Fair May 5 in Columbus.

The 19-member STVM team earned the award, the academy’s highest honor given to a school at State Science Day, for the sixth time since 2000, according to school officials.

In addition, several students received Superior or Excellent scores for their science projects. In the South Side News Leader’s coverage area, participating students receiving Superior ratings were Emily Baker, Jimmy Demboski and Michael Iacofano, all of Green. Among the students receiving Excellent ratings were Katherine Engels, also of Green.

Mary Jo Chionchio, director of the STVM Science Department’s Partners in Progress project, attributed the school’s success to the students’ hard work along with the opportunities available at the school that allow students to go into the labs of research scientists at The University of Akron and local business’ chemists. She added that 11 of the STVM students participated in real-world research projects with scientists from the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. Another four were mentored by chemists at Akron-based APV Engineered Coatings, she said.

Springfield BOE awards construction contracts

LAKEMORE — The Springfield Local Schools Board of Education awarded two construction contracts at a special May 3 meeting.

According to district officials, the board approved a contract for the construction of an athletic field house and maintenance building to Thomarios Construction in the amount of $1.5 million.

The board also approved awarding a contract for the roof replacement project at Schrop Intermediate to Advanced Industrial Roofing in the amount of $157,807, according to district officials.

The next regular board meeting will take place May 15 at 6 p.m. at the Administration Building, 2960 Sanitarium Road.

— By Maria Lindsay

UA Trustees increase tuition, OK stadium beer policy

DOWNTOWN AKRON — The University of Akron (UA) Board of Trustees voted May 2 to increase tuition and general fees as well as the transportation fee for students. The board also expanded beer sales at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field effective this fall.

In student fees, the board OK’d a 3.5-percent increase to tuition and general fees and a 3.3-percent hike in transportation fees. The average student will see an annual increase of $318 a year, according to UA officials.

The increase will allow UA to continue to offer its current academic programs in spite of reduced funding from the state of nearly $30 million over two years, according to UA officials. In addition, UA plans investments into priorities identified in Vision 2020, its strategic plan.

UA also plans to increase funding to its scholarships by 3.5 percent.

The board also approved an increase of 6.3 percent for students in the School of Law.

In other business, the board voted to modify UA’s alcohol policy to allow the sale of beer in the main seating area of the stadium starting this fall.

After a comprehensive review of alcohol policies at other football stadiums, the Department of Athletics presented a plan that acknowledges the wishes of many football fans while managing alcohol consumption through strict guidelines for concession and distribution control, according to UA officials. Previously, alcohol was available at the stadium only on the fifth and sixth floors of the press tower, where the suites, loges and club seats are located. Beer, wine and spirits will continue to be sold in those areas.

“Based on feedback we have received from our season ticketholders and the student body, we believe this is something that will enhance the game-day experience and likely will attract new fans as well,” said UA Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill.

A maximum of two beers will be sold per transaction, and IDs will be checked at the time of each sale, UA officials said.

Also during the meeting, the trustees approved tenure or a promotion in rank or both for 35 faculty members.